| Submited by Fern Taylor and Lynn Wilson
State of Mississippi: Articles of agreement
Itawamba County made and entered into this
the 10 day of July 1851 between Dlemus L. Stone of the first part and McFaddin
& Medley of the other part all of the state and County aforesaid .
witness that the said stone on his part of and in consideration of having
the following described lot of land improved 1 one stone house well finished
off one dwelling house hued logs well finished off, one smokehouse doth
lease grant and convey unto the said McFaddin & Medley their heirs
& c, all his right title and interest to said lot of land for four
years, from the day and date above written for then to have for their own
use & benefit the execution of which I bind myself, my heirs
executors administrators and assigns for the four years above mentioned..
The conditions of the above obligation is such that whereas if the said
McFaddin & Medley doth well and faithfully improve said lot of land
then the above obligation to remain in full force & effect other wise
to be null and void, In testimony where of I have Hear unto set my hand
an seal this the 10th of July 1851 Remmey Coleman attest
D. L. Stone
-----------------------
Ironwood Bluff, Miss
March 2nd, 1854
My Dear Uncle,
Yours of the 13th alt was received today in which you uttered
some bitter complaints against me for my diligency in attending to the
Sherman Matter for you . I fully deeply mortified that to think that
I have by my means caused my old uncle to feel that he has been treated
(torn page)---------------by me and yet I must acknowledge (torn off)
On back
Irownwood Bluff
March 15th 1854
Miss. E. S. Wilin and Co.
Gent.
You will please forward us a load of the goods you have in stors for
us by Mr. Harrison the Bearer, who will pay the Storage on the same and
obly, also the castings you have for H. W. Stigall
Your friens
E. L. Hankins & Co.
-----------------------
Ironwood Bluff, Miss
July 9th 1854
Miss Sarah,
You will no doubt be surprised when you receive and peruse this
epistle as I have not apprised you of it . I don’t recollect that
a written correspondence with you was ever hinted at by myself at any time
nor would I presume to address you through this medium under any circumstances
had I have thought of asking you that liberty when I last saw you I know
that custom demands a gentleman to first notify a lady before opening a
written correspondence and gain their consent by not attending to that
duty as I ought to have done I am ready to apologize and have concluded
to write any how depending upon you charity in which I feel willing to
risk every thing. I write to ask the liberty of hold an epistolary
communication with you and if you will only allow me this boon I
shall feel myself highly honored and hope it may alternately lend to our
special good.
The few evening Miss Sarah which I have had the pleasure to spend
with you has left impressions on my mind that naught on earth can
erase though I esteem all ladies yet the short and unceremonious acquaintance
we has made has awakened in my mind something peculiarly interesting
such has been my difference that I have suppressed my feeling until remorse
of conscience has become insupportable. If the request hinted at
above meets your approbation and you will reply to this I will promise
to write you a more full and satisfactory epistle than I can possibly make
this at the present time yet I hope you will receive this as a token of
friendship and good wishes from one whose pretentions although humble yet
he hopes are frank and honest. Now Miss Sarah will you but write if it
is but one line with your signature it will be hailed with delight.
It is desired that none but yourself should see this imprefect
and broken sentenced letter with my best wishes I bid you adieu for the
present hoping to hear from you soon yours sinsere
Friend
W. M. McFadden
---------------------
Millville
Aug 3, 1854
Mr. McFaddin
Sir I received yours of the 27 and was pleased to hear form my
associate once more. I have enjoyed myself very well since I came
home, but have been very lonely. I was very anxious to attend the
escamination but circumstances were such I could not attend you spoke of
having a desire to visit Millville. I will be happy to see you here
at any time, you spoke a lot of wanting to know when there would be any
preaching in the neighborhood, there will be a protracted meeting at our
church embracing the first Sabbath in September, which will commence
on Friday before the first Sabbath and probably continue all week.
I will be pleased to see you at our meeting and you Bro. Loock also.
Last week we had a protracted meeting in Millville, held by the Carmelites
they preached three days emmerced two young persons and you lady and gentleman.
Mr. Wasery has been trying to get a church started here for some time,
but has not seen to affect much by his preaching and I am in hops he never
will here
I WILL CLOSE BY REMAINING AS EVER YOUR FRIEND,
S. Davidson
--------------------
Ironwood Bluff, Miss
Sept 18th 1854
Miss Sarah
I would have written to you before now, but when Dr. Armstrong
came over after his lady , he said that you calculated on attending Miss
Paige school which the commencement was but a few days off therefore I
did not write but since I see that you did not come I will try and write
you a few lines. I donot know whether I can interest you in this
epistle or not as for news I have none nor then cousin Andrew has
returned from Louisville ,KY. There has been nothing strange occurred
here since I last saw you we are all hearty and every thing is going on
after the same old fashion
Miss Sarah recollect those vows you made me treasure them up
and think of then. Think of them seriously for it is a matter that
requires serious reflection and if you still remain in the same notion
you was when we was talking on the subject I now have reference to (if
consentive by you) I think it highly probable that I will mention it to
you Pa when I visit Mellville again. I do not know when that will
be for I am so situated that it is a bad chance fore me to leave home unless
it is on business of the store. You know I will come as soon as an
opportunity offers.
Please respond to this and let me know whether you retain the
same notion or not perhaps it may save me of a trip.
Yours H.
W. M. McFadden
--------------------
Millville, Ala
Sept 25th 54
Mr McFaddin,
Sir I received yours of the 13 and to comply with your request,
will write you a few lines. I have spent some very gloomy hours since I
saw you last. I have been quite sick part of the time, but your letter
last week received my drooping spirit,
Those vows you spoke of are still treasured by me, and I still
remain in the same notion that I was in when last we parted. I hope
to see you at the camp meeting in ------------if not before. I will
be glad to see your parents and more of your relatives there.
I remain as ever you sincere friend.
S. Davidson
---------------------
Ironwood Bluff, Miss
Oct 3th 54
Miss Sarah
Your letter dated the 25th of Sept came to hand a few days since
and was gladly received. I was happy to hear from you but sorry to
hear that you had been sick. You have no idea how much satisfaction,
how much pleasure it affords me to receive a letter from your pen though
it be but a few lines. Your signature alone upon a piece of white
paper is gratifying to me. Would that I could see you today, that
I could enjoy your presence to behold, those sparkling eyes of thine that
beams none other than love and affection, those lily cheeks that blooms
with the vigor of youth, and the beauty of an angel and those sweet lips
that is deluged with an overflowing of language which says to me “I will”.
Oh that I could behold them now, how happy would I feel, but we are at
a distance separated by mountains, valleys, and water courses, but not
withstanding all that there is a way in which we can commune and that is
through the pen.
The camp meeting you spoke of if I mistake not commences the
13th of this month which will be next Friday week. I will try to
be there and would be very happy indeed to see you then. I have a
great deal to tell you many things to talk about. It would be too
tedious to undertake to write them all down, so I will wate until I can
see you face to face
Miss Amanda McLean has left the Ironwood Bluff gone to Columbus
. She has a situation there to teach music under Prof Mean with a
salary of $450.00 per annum. Stegall is the maddest man about it you ever
saw he would not speak to Miss McLean for four or five days before she
left. It beat all creation the way he acted towards her.
Miss Paige’s school is quite small and no prospect of it getting
any larger. I think the school will not continue a great while longer.
Miss Paige is getting very much dissatisfied with living at Stegalls.
She will not stay any longer than this session, if she stays the session
out. We have had several fine rains here lately, though I suppose
it (the rain) to be pretty general. The dust is laid at any rate.
I reckon next time we go to church down on Turtle Creek, we won’t get dusted
like we did before.
The health of this neighborhood is remarkably good at present.
I do not know of a case of sickness.
With these few lines bid you adieu for the present hoping to
either see or hear from you soon
your sincere friend
W. M. McFadden
----------------------
Ironwood Bluff, Miss
October 13, 1854
Mr. Davidson
You are apprised that I have shown my attention to you daughter
(Miss Sarah) for whom I have the strongest attachment and affection and
feel that I have full evidence that this regard has been reciprocated by
her and owing to the timidity and difference of youth have carried the
matter perhaps further than older persons might deem prudent without consulting
you as her parent. We have pledged to each other our faith and love.
Your daughter in token of her sincerity has given me her hand and I have
adopted this method to ask your consent and approbation in the consummation
of the engagement we have (torn page) this method I have adopted from (torn
page) cause hinted at above that in as (torn) you on this subject I feel
it to (torn) a heavy cross nevertheless I hope that (torn) be satisfactory.
I think it unnecessary to make any pledges or promises in regard to what
treatment you daughter will receive from me (should you give her to me
in marriage)further than that my life will be devoted to her interest and
welfare a versification of which will of course have to be exemplified
in future life. Hoping the above may be entirely satisfactory and
that the required contained may meet your approbation and elicit an early
and favorable reply.
I remain you s with proud respect
W. M. McFadden
-----------------------
Ironwood Bluff, Miss
Nov 1st 1854
Miss Sarah
I will write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and
– and hope you are in the full enjoyment of good health wit humor and the
like blessings of life.
I will try and come over to Millville next Saturday if n providential
hindrance should I not come tell your Pa I will be ready to close our engagement
by the middle of next month (if agreeable with he and you) say the
14th of December which will be on Thursday six weeks from tomorrow, I have
got Andrew Davidson and Doct Pharis Elliott to act as waiters for me, get
two suitable persons to officiate on you part. Nothing strange in this
neighborhood, give my love to all
W. M. McFaddin
-----------------------
Ironwood Bluff, Miss June 14, 55
Dear Bro,
Having written to you twice and no reply, I will endeavor to write
again but whether this awkward and imperfect epistle will be interesting
to you or not is more than I am able to tell, however I will give you to
understand that we are well and enjoying ourselves finely I have got one
of the most pleasant and agreeable companions that ever lived, we have
lived six months together today and the honeymoon as people call it is
not over, with us, yet never will be, I hope. Van, a married life
is the life for me this has been moor pleasure seen by me in the last six
months than I ever saw in all the rest of my life put together, I
advocate a married life and advise all men to marry if they can get such
a wife as mine. Now can you say this much with honesty I hope you
can. I am farming a little this year trying to make my provisions
without so much cost to me. This way paying from 85 c. to one dollar
for bushel for corn and 7 c. a pound for pork. Don’t suite a McFaddin you
know and I am trying to keep from doing that thing I think I can for the
future my corn looks as fin as any one else and the crops are generally
very good in this vicinity we have had a plenty of rain to suit the crops
but not enough to make a river sufficient for boats to get down to Mobile
consequently has left this neighborhood in a bad condition we have enough
grocery, no money nor no anything like white folks. Hope you are
doing better up in you section if not pray for us
There has been a good deal of sickness in this neighborhood not
immediately in the neighborhood either but in the neighborhood of the old
mans some deaths. The old lady Shaw and Anynishis both died. Sister Martha
has bee very sick again like to have died though she is up and about now
all the rest of our connection are well so far as I know. Hope you
and your family are well and Ed and his family . Van give my respects to
all my friends up there and tell Robt. Bates that I say as one that wished
him well to marry if he wants to be happy. I was on the act of closing
my remarks but look here will you see Ed Thomas and know whether he has
collected that note of Doc. Howard and if he has not collected it
take it and try to get something out of him if you can’t get any money
or something that will bring the cash try to get the shotgun back recollect
he bot a powder flask and a shot bag with the gun. Please attend to this
and answer this letter. Your brother and friend in S&S
W.M. McFadden
--------------------
Detroit Ala
Decn 5th 55
Dear Willis,
I drop you a few lines which leaves us all well. Your Family
is also as well as could be expected . your Big Boy in particular, Sarah
was delivered of a fine Boy Night Before last on Tuesday night. I
weighed him this morning he only weighs nine pounds and I think he will
be very able to steer out one of you Flat boats by March. If you
should mat get a tide earlier come over as soon as you can and spend a
few days with us
Yours respectfully
W. W. Davidson
--------------------
Ironwood Bluff
March 19th 1856
Dear Willis
I received yours from Mobile sometime since in which you said
you would be here in a few days. I have heard that you landed safe
at Martins Bluff. Last Thursday was a week ago and that is the last
item from you .
Have come to the conclusion that you are sick, or some ill has
befallen you. Should have been over to have seen about you, but could
not leave here conveniently. Did talk of sending Saml William, was
fearful he would find it difficult to find that way and declined
the idea. Have concluded to write at last.
Hope you are not sick or your family
On the receipt of this please come over if you cannot come write
and let me know how you came out in Mobile. How you arranged matters
with Toomes and Bates and if you settled Stegalls matter with Riley Brown.
He wants to know. What did you do with the things(bed clothes, buckets,
& c.)you took down on the boat.
There is not anything new about Ironwood Bluff. All the
cotton gone, made some three or four hundred dollars on cotton this season.
Can’t collect any money worth naming want to pay off our
Louisville and Mobile matters and Stegall 12 or 1500 $ if possible,
Harr ordered about 12or 1500$ dollars worth of good form New York have
not heard from them yet. If you can come, come on when you get them.
The health of my family good and the neighbors healthy. Tender our best
regards to your Saley and children??? In a hurry.
Your friend
E. S. Hankins
---------------------
20 July 1856
The state of Alabama
Marion County To any sheriff of the State of Alabama
Whereas on the 2nd of July 1856, William W. Davison filed with
the Judge of Probate for said county, a paper pertaining to the last will
of James Davison, late of said County deceased, and moved the court that
the same be admitted to probate and recorded as the last will and testament
of the said James Davison, Deceased, and letters testamentary therein
issue to the said W. W. Davison and George E. Wax , Executors named in
said will.
You are therefore commanded to notify the said George E. Wax,
Wm. M. McFadden and his wife Sarah, Jr., who is daughter of the Decd. That
the 25 day of July _____ at the court house of said county is the day set
for the hearing and administration of said application, when and where
the said W. M McFaddin and his wife Sarah J. Can attend and show cause
why said will shall not be this probated, admitted to record and letters
testamentary therein granted as aforesaid, and that you have then
the rite according to law. Witness John D. Terrill, judge of said court
at office the said judge the 2nd July 1856
John D. Terrell Judge
Probate Court
----------------------
Smithville, Miss
May 26th 62 on back; Mr. Willis McFadden Columbus
, Miss.
Dear Husband, I have a chance to send you a letter by hand. I
will drop you a few lines. We are all well and are all doing the best we
can for our selves I have bin looking for you home all last week.
I heard that you was ordered to Corinth and was to start in a few days.
It troubled me very much to think that you would not get to come home once
more, I want to see you so bad. Please come once more before you go to
face the cannon . The children want to see their Pa they look for
you every (minute to come) Etta did not go home she has concluded
to stay a week longer with me as I am so lonely, Mollie has not come from
Aberdeen yet and I do not know when she will. Don’t fail to
have your likeness taken and send it to me if I can’t see you I can look
at it , please write often nothing more at present yours truly until death.
Sallie
Dear Uncle
As Aunt Sallie wrote you I thought I would write a few lines
to finish out the page. I reckon you will be glad to hear that I
an still with Aunt Sallie. When the time came for me to return home Aunt
Sallie looked so lonely I just concluded I would stay longer. I would
like to know if you have picked me out a fine bug yet if you have not you
must before you return if you can find one to suit me. So nothing
more only I remain you affectionate niece. Write soon as you can.
Mollie Wax
-------------------
James Creek Academy
June 24, 67
Mrs. Clifton
With some little embarrassment that is natural to one addressing
a stranger I embrace the opportunity of writing you a few lines.
I was at your sisters last Sabbath, she seem to be very anxious hear from
you, I promised her if she wish to carry on a correspondence with you
I would assist you both as much as I could. I think Mrs. Clifton
of you desire my assistance that I can make myself useful in this particular.
You can send the letters to my car by the small boy’s and then I can send
them to you sister monthly, by our circuit rider. If I can render
you any service this way. I shall perform it delightfully.
Your sister and family was well last Sabbath you will excuse my boldness,
In soliciting this little service, I am very respectfully. Your most
Obl. Servant
Ithey Nash
---------------------
Fulton, Miss
Dec 5, 1867
Sister Sarah,
I intended going down today but first I cannot well get off.
I have to be down their on Sunday and may go down Saturday evening and
will be at your house. Tell Goodloe I will take his boots down with
me. My family all well, In haste Yours.
E. L. Hankins
---------------------
Sallie Clifton Fulton Miss
Smithville, Miss
Aunt Sallie Dec 24, 1873
Sallie Clifton
Owing to the low price of cotton. I have collected but very
little . consequently I am needing money very badly to go on in business
if you can let me have a ball of cotton I will pay the aberdeen price or
will hold it untill 1at of marcy and give you the advantage of any rise
in that time. I want to know exactly what to depend on and if I can
dcollect enough I will buy a stock of goods in the spring would like to
be able to buy early. I would like to come up and see you but it
is almost impossible for me to leave. Hope you are getting along
well. We have had heard that Uncle Nat is dead Don’t know weather
it is so or not. Yours W.G. Wax
(this was written by someone else on same page)
I seat myself to writ you a few lines to let you know that we are all
well at present hoping that you are all well. I have nothing
very interesting to write
I want to see you very much. I loved you
and I love you and I hope all is will
--------------------
4th Feb 1875
The State of Mississippi
Itawamba County
To the sheriff of Itawamba County Greeting: Your are hereby commanded
to cite R. G. McFadden, Virginia McFadden, Elmira McFadden and Mary McFaddin
minors if to be found in your county to be and appear before the
Honorable Chancery Court of Itawamba County at a Court to be held at the
court house thereof on the 3rd Monday of April 1875 next and on the 1st
day of the term then and there to answer a petition and final account of
B. B. McFadden and V. B. McFadden Administrators of William McFadden Dec.
and show cause if any they can why the same should not be allowed
and said administrators discharged and further to do and suffer such things
as shall be constiuted and on and by the court----- did in the prumisis
. And have the then this writ with an en------------------of the
manor in which you shall have served the same: Witness my hand and the
seal of said court at Fulton this 4th day of February 1875
A. P. Gaither Clerk
---------------------
Hill Creek, Miss.
March 10th 1875
Dear Mother and Sisters,
It is with pleasure that I avail myself of this opportunity of
communicating to you through the present medium of time my present condition
Dear these lines leaves me in the enjoyment of good health hoping these
lines will find you and sisters in good health . Mother I have nothing
new to write you only I was at the hanging on last Friday in New Albany
there was about three thousand person there more than I ever saw assemble
before if you can get the New Albany Democrat it will explain the confession
better than I can well Mother I am living six miles west of New Albany
with Wm Prater working at twelve dollars and fifty cents per month I expected
to work in the black Smith Shop this is a fine farming country though we
have a heap of mud to encounter with there has been a heap of sickness
here the past winter pneumonia the health is not good yet the
people are late in commencing their crops there is hardly anyone plowed
any yet wheat looks well and bids __________for a good crop. Ma I
will give you a statement of prices corn at 75cents a bushel, flour $8.00
per bbl, meat 74 cts per lb, coffee from 20 to 25 per lb . Ma and
sisters you must not think the time long, I do not expect to be at
home before Christmas. I will send you my picture, I want the
Girls to send me theirs to write to me every month. I want you to
write how you are getting along farming . Send me all the news that
you may have. I will say that there is an other hanging to take place
in New Albany on the 5 April next cone down and see it.
J.L. Livengood you will see that I am well I want to know what you
have done with the things I left with you whether you have sold them or
not . I send my respects to you and Lady. I want you to write soon
an let me know how you are getting along and all the news you can glean
from old Itawamba district as above.
R. G. McFadden
To Ms. S. McFadden and family
---------------------
June 20, 1886
Mi dear lover, I want you to read this caareful , you please.
Mrs. Clifton I love you better then enndbody I can find. An o that
you will remember this for I want to marry.
An I think you will soot thee better than anybody I can find.
This is so from my heart an think you could think so and thent saso(say
so) when I ask you to have me. O you will say yase wil in this is
to you in full form my hart and will you have me or not. I want you
to answer this so remember me your unbel servent.
To Mrs. Sara Clifton from L. N. Carpenter.
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